Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

There's something undeniably elegant about tiramisu, with its layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa. Now, imagine all that indulgence transformed into a perfectly portioned cupcake! These Tiramisu Cupcakes are a delightful fusion of fluffy vanilla cake, rich espresso syrup, and a silky mascarpone frosting—ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself.

I first fell in love with tiramisu during a trip to Italy, where every bite felt like a hug in dessert form. Recreating that experience in cupcake form was a must, and after some experimenting, this recipe became my go-to for special occasions. Each bite is an irresistible blend of coffee, cream, and vanilla, making these cupcakes a surefire hit at any gathering.

Why You'll Love These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Get ready to experience the magic of tiramisu in an easy-to-eat, handheld treat! These cupcakes are a game-changer for any dessert lover.

First, they pack all the classic tiramisu flavors into a single cupcake—light sponge cake, bold espresso, and creamy mascarpone frosting. No need for slicing or serving dishes; just grab and enjoy!

They’re also perfect for parties. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or bringing dessert to a gathering, these cupcakes are easy to transport and serve, making them a crowd-pleasing choice.

If you're a fan of coffee, these cupcakes are for you. The espresso syrup soaks into the cake, infusing it with a deep, aromatic coffee flavor that balances beautifully with the sweet mascarpone frosting.

And don’t worry about complicated steps! This recipe is simple to follow, even for beginner bakers. The cake is light yet sturdy, the syrup is quick to make, and the frosting comes together in minutes.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Tiramisu Cupcakes comes from high-quality ingredients that work together to create an indulgent experience.

Cake Flour is the base of these cupcakes, giving them a soft and delicate texture. If you don’t have cake flour on hand, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with a bit of cornstarch.

For that classic tiramisu flavor, we use espresso or strong brewed coffee. It’s brushed over the cupcakes to soak in that bold, rich taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can mix it with a bit of milk.

Mascarpone cheese is the star of the frosting. It creates a creamy, slightly tangy topping that pairs beautifully with the sweet cake. Be sure to use full-fat mascarpone for the best consistency.

A hint of dark rum or coffee liqueur adds depth to the cupcakes, making them taste even closer to the traditional dessert. If making these alcohol-free, simply skip this ingredient.

Lastly, a generous dusting of cocoa powder on top ties everything together. It adds a slight bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and creamy elements.

How To Make These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Making these cupcakes is easier than you might think! Follow these steps for a flawless dessert.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a cupcake pan with liners. This ensures an easy release once they’re baked. In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—cake flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating an airy texture. Add in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before moving to the next.

Gently fold in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk and vanilla extract, until the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cupcakes tender. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

While the cupcakes bake, prepare the espresso syrup by combining hot coffee, sugar, and rum or liqueur. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then set aside to cool. Once the cupcakes are out of the oven and slightly cooled, brush each one generously with the syrup, allowing it to soak in.

For the frosting, beat mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix, as mascarpone can become too soft. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag for a beautiful finish.

Finish with a dusting of cocoa powder for the perfect tiramisu touch. These cupcakes are best enjoyed chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Storage Options

If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare!), storing these cupcakes properly ensures they stay fresh.

Refrigerate: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The mascarpone frosting stays best when kept chilled.

Freeze: You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and frost as usual.

Make Ahead: If prepping in advance, bake the cupcakes and prepare the espresso syrup a day before. Frosting is best made fresh for the creamiest texture.

Variations and Substitutions

These cupcakes are flexible, so feel free to get creative!

If you don’t have mascarpone, try using cream cheese. It will have a slightly tangier taste but still create a luscious frosting.

Want a stronger coffee flavor? Add instant espresso powder directly into the cake batter for an extra caffeine kick.

For a kid-friendly version, skip the rum in the syrup and use a mix of decaf coffee and vanilla extract instead.

Prefer a different topping? Swap out the cocoa powder for chocolate shavings or even a drizzle of coffee caramel for extra indulgence.

You can also make these cupcakes gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of cake flour. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Experiment with these variations to make the recipe your own. No matter how you customize them, these Tiramisu Cupcakes are sure to impress!

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